Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients with Orthostatic Hypotension

Abstract

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common inpatient condition associated with falls, syncope, and mortality. However, standardized approaches for inpatient management of OH are lacking and may vary across clinical specialties. In this retrospective observational cohort study, we reviewed the electronic medical records of patients admitted to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between April 1, 2015 and June 1, 2021 with a diagnosis of OH or medication-related hypotension. Variables of interest included admitting service, presenting symptoms, suspected etiology, and management. Among the 400 inpatients with OH, one-third had OH documented on admission. Dizziness and lightheadedness were the most common symptoms; medical patients experienced dizziness, falls, and other symptoms more frequently than surgical patients. Volume depletion and medications were the leading suspected causes of OH. Surgical patients were less likely to have medication-related OH and were more likely to lack an identified etiology. Cardiovascular disease was more frequently implicated in cardiology patients. Volume depletion, neurodegenerative disease, and other conditions were more often suspected among medical patients. Management commonly involved volume resuscitation and medication adjustment, though medication changes were less frequent in surgical patients. Nonpharmacologic interventions were more common among medical patients. By discharge, OH had resolved in only one-third of patients. In summary, inpatient OH was most often identified after admission, attributed to hypovolemia, treated with fluids, and unresolved at discharge, with differences in symptoms, etiology, and management between specialties. Prospective studies are needed to formalize diagnostic and treatment strategies for OH in the hospital setting.